“It’s not a restaurant guide,” comments Sarah McCullough, Culture & Heritage Program Manager with Mississippi Development Authority about the Mississippi Culinary Trail. “The web-based guide, which is always evolving with new information, provides both visitors and residents an in-depth look at the state’s culinary heritage.”

Divided into Mississippi’s five distinct geographic regions, you click on a region, read about its history and then click a city or town to about its history and learn more about the restaurants. For instance, you’ll find such gems listed as Little Dooey of Starkville to Nyla’s Burger Basket in Osyka to The Blue & White Restaurant in Tunica, home of the fried pickle.

And then there the surprises. As McCollum points out there are certain culinary influences in Mississippi that are not found anywhere else in the deep South. For instance, the Delta region has a strong Hispanic influence perhaps seen through its Hot Tamale Trail. There’s also an Asian influence found here as well. The Gulf Coast region, perhaps best known for seafood, is also an area rich with a Croatian influence.

“There many culinary stories in the state are not known,” she says. “The guide not only brings highlights the tradition southern spots and their stories, but also the lesser known spots.”